TOWER ISLE · ST. MARY
Description.
East of Ocho Rios, the coast settles into a rhythm that’s more refined and less chaotic.
WHERE TO STAY
Tower Isle is Couples territory — Couples Tower Isle, the brand’s flagship, occupies a prime beachfront with its own private island just offshore, while Couples Sans Souci sits further east at White River Bay with a mineral spring spa built into the cliffs. Sandals claims two properties here: Sandals Ochi spreads across 105 acres split between a Great House village and Butler Village, and Sandals Royal Plantation — the smallest and most exclusive in the Sandals portfolio — offers just 74 all-butler suites overlooking the sea. For something more personal, The Blue House Boutique B&B in Prospect delivers a five-room experience that feels like staying with well-connected friends.
WHAT TO DO
The White River Valley nearby provides some of the best river activities on the north coast — bamboo rafting, kayaking, and tubing through a limestone gorge where the water runs clear over smooth rock. Yaaman Adventure Park (the former Prospect Estate) offers ATVs, dune buggies, camel rides, and a jerk cooking class on one of the oldest plantations in St. Ann — the kind of day trip that works perfectly with Aurum’s chauffeur service.
GETTING HERE
This zone sits closest to Ian Fleming Airport — just $80 and 20 minutes by road, making it the most accessible resort area for OCJ arrivals. From Sangster International, the transfer is $340 (2h 30m); from Kingston’s Norman Manley, $410 (2h 15m). A private transfer from Ian Fleming Airport to Tower Isle costs $80 and takes 20 minutes with Aurum Transfers.